Root Causes of Ear Infections

byAdmin - Cynthia PerkinsonAugust 13, 2009

When ear infections don’t respond to antibiotics, there is usually an underlying factor that is at the root of the problem. In this post we help a visitor explore some of those possibilities. Here is Jean’s question:

Hi, one of my relatives suffers from chronic ear infections. Following prescriptions from doctors, she took lots of medicine, especially antibiotics. After more than two months, no recovery has been seen. She’s now suffering from mouth and ear inflammation, also her teeth are sensitive. I would appreciate kindly that you respond to this message.~ Jean

Hi, Jean,

I would first suggest that you see a competent alternative health care provider, preferably a doctor of environmental medicine, which can be found at the Academy of Environmental Medicine and have the ears checked and discuss your treatment options.

With that being said, there are a variety of factors that can result in chronic ear infections that don’t respond to treatment with an antibiotic.

One of the most common causes of ear infection is an unidentified food allergy or sensitivity. Food allergy or sensitivity results in retention of fluid which leads to swelling and inflammation. When the offending foods are removed from the diet, then the ears will clear up. Common foods would include dairy, sugar, wheat, eggs and citrus, but any food can be a culprit.

An overgrowth ofcandida albicans yeastis a frequent villain for infections in the ear. It may take up residence in the ear canal and/or emit toxins that cause inflammation. Addressing candida with probiotics, antifungals and the candida diet is helpful for many for overcoming ear infections.

Antibiotic use leads to the development of candida overgrowth, so if that is the culprit, antibiotics will only perpetuate the problem even further, which may be the reason for the new symptoms your relative has developed since taking the antibiotic. It would be extremely important to address candida.

Common every day chemicals in our environment like those found in laundry soap, cleaning products, dish soap, detergents, disinfectants, air fresheners, perfume, cologne, pesticides and herbicides can cause pain and inflammation in any part of the body of a vulnerable individual. The ears may be one of them. Other environmental factors like mold, pollens etc.,may also be involved.

Keep the ears dry

Frequent swimming or some other activity that allows water to enter the ear can also be a major contributor as it creates a damp moist environment that bacteria and fungi will thrive in. This is sometimes called “swimmers ear.” Keep the ears dry and be careful when bathing or showering to keep water out. Use cotton balls or ear plugs to cover the ears if necessary.

Some people find relief from chronic ear infections with garlic oil. They soak a piece of cotton ball in garlic oil and insert it in the ear. Alternatively, a fresh piece of garlic wrapped in a tissue and inserted in the ear will work as well. Ingesting the garlic orally will be beneficial as well for not only fighting infection, but reducing candida overgrowth too. However, if the ear infections are developing because of food allergy, sensitivity or candida, the infection will return again and again until the underlying problem is resolved.

Other remedies that have been effective include vitamin D, colloidal silver, vitamin C, zinc, vinegar and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ear.

It’s important to avoid sugar and dairy, even natural sugars, when trying to get over any type of infection, because viruses, yeast and bacteria thrive on sugar and dairy creates mucous.

Always be sure to seek medical attention if you’re experiencing severe pain, fever or any other signs of complications.